Saifuddin: Respect constitution in CJ appointment
Saifuddin said the Federal Constitution clearly outlines the procedure under Article 122B, whereby the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers.
"In this context, the public's attention is now on the vacancy of the Chief Justice.
"The process is clearly spelled out in the Constitution, so there is no need to prejudge or make baseless accusations, particularly those alleging executive interference," he said at a press conference after attending the Home Ministry's monthly assembly here today.
Saifuddin said respect for the process is essential, and all parties must refrain from politicising or speculating on ongoing constitutional matters.
"If there are allegations of leaks or other claims, let the police investigate. A statement has already been issued confirming that investigations will proceed."
He also dismissed claims of executive interference in judicial matters, noting that Article 125 of the Constitution provides a clear mechanism for addressing issues involving judges, including ethical breaches.
"If the Constitution is upheld and everyone understands their role, there is no need to involve the executive or blame the government. The monarchy is already carrying out its functions in accordance with the Constitution."
Saifuddin warned against attempts to stir public sentiment or create false narratives, saying such efforts only provoke unnecessary reactions.
"The prime minister, ministers, and the judiciary are all bound by the same constitutional framework. Let the process take its course."
Earlier, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the Conference of Rulers is expected to decide and announce the appointment of the new Chief Justice today.
He also confirmed having met with the Conference of Rulers on Tuesday morning.
"I had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers, and it is best to let them decide.
"God willing, there will be a clear announcement tomorrow (today) that will dispel all negative perceptions," he said during his keynote address at Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 yesterday.
The prime minister also acknowledged public concern over the delay in appointing the Chief Justice and the negative perceptions surrounding the matter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Anwar has no plans to take action against PKR MPs with differing views
He said the Prime Minister, who is also PKR president, urged party members and branch leaders to respect those differing opinions and move forward together to strengthen the party. 18 Jul 2025 09:12pm PKR communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (two, left) during a closed-door meeting between PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR Selangor leaders today. - Photp by Bernama SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has no intention of taking action against several Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Members of Parliament (MPs) who have expressed differing views on certain issues, according to PKR communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking to reporters after a closed-door meeting between Anwar and PKR Selangor leaders today, Fahmi said the Prime Minister, who is also PKR president, urged party members and branch leaders to respect those differing opinions and move forward together to strengthen the party. "The Prime Minister has clearly stated that for a few MPs who differ in opinion on certain issues, he does not intend to take any action. They have the right to express their views. "He has also asked all branch chiefs and party members to understand this and move on,' Fahmi said. Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said that at the meeting, Anwar also advised newly elected branch leaders to adopt an inclusive approach when appointing their respective committee members. "The Prime Minister emphasised that even those who lost in the recent party elections or who are not from their own camp should be included as part of a united team for the sake of the party's overall strength,' he said. Additionally, Fahmi said Anwar also informed party leaders that the appointment of State Leadership Council (MPN) Chairs will be finalised before the end of this month and instructed party machinery to start mobilising on the ground in August to boost grassroots support. Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a closed-door meeting with PKR Selangor leaders today. - Photo by Bernama During the meeting, Fahmi said Anwar also addressed recent allegations surrounding the appointment of the new Chief Justice and reiterated that the process strictly adhered to provisions outlined in the Federal Constitution, and that the list of nominees submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers was prepared by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). "The Prime Minister only advised the King after consultations with the Conference of Rulers. The process fully complied with constitutional procedures,' said Fahmi, adding that Anwar clarified no judges were dismissed in contrast to previous administrations. Fahmi said that Anwar also welcomed criticisms from institutions such as the Malaysian Bar and Bersih regarding the judicial appointments, noting that what matters most is the continued independence of the judiciary. "The Prime Minister stressed that the judiciary must remain free from interference, whether from the legislative or the executive branch,' said Fahmi. Today's meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, was attended by several senior PKR leaders, including vice-presidents Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, PKR Youth Chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Women's Chief Fadhlina Sidek. - BERNAMA
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Anwar Has No Plans To Take Action Against PKR MPs With Differing Views
POLITICS SHAH ALAM, July 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has no intention of taking action against several Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Members of Parliament (MPs) who have expressed differing views on certain issues, according to PKR Communications Director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Speaking to reporters after a closed-door meeting between Anwar and PKR Selangor leaders today, Fahmi said the Prime Minister, who is also PKR President, urged party members and branch leaders to respect those differing opinions and move forward together to strengthen the party. 'The Prime Minister has clearly stated that for a few MPs who differ in opinion on certain issues, he does not intend to take any action. They have the right to express their views. 'He has also asked all branch chiefs and party members to understand this and move on,' Fahmi said. Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said that at the meeting, Anwar also advised newly elected branch leaders to adopt an inclusive approach when appointing their respective committee members. 'The Prime Minister emphasised that even those who lost in the recent party elections or who are not from their own camp should be included as part of a united team for the sake of the party's overall strength,' he said. Additionally, Fahmi said Anwar also informed party leaders that the appointment of State Leadership Council (MPN) Chairs will be finalised before the end of this month and instructed party machinery to start mobilising on the ground in August to boost grassroots support. During the meeting, Fahmi said Anwar also addressed recent allegations surrounding the appointment of the new Chief Justice and reiterated that the process strictly adhered to provisions outlined in the Federal Constitution, and that the list of nominees submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers was prepared by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). 'The Prime Minister only advised the King after consultations with the Conference of Rulers. The process fully complied with constitutional procedures,' said Fahmi, adding that Anwar clarified no judges were dismissed in contrast to previous administrations.
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
SUPP man slams DAP's Violet Yong over 'misleading' remarks on parliamentary seats
Kua says Yong failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the MA63. KUCHING (July 18): Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Kua Jack Seng, has slammed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong for making what he described as a 'simplistic and misleading' statement on Sarawak's push for greater parliamentary representation. Yong had recently claimed that increasing Sarawak's number of parliamentary seats requires only a constitutional amendment and has nothing to do with state-level representation. In response, Kua said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chairman said Malaysia is not just governed by technical amendments, but by founding agreements and structural principles. He said MA63 clearly outlines that Sarawak and Sabah should collectively hold one-third of all parliamentary seats. 'This was never meant to be a 'population game', it was a deliberate political safeguard. 'Yong's view, whether due to ignorance or political convenience, ignores the reality that any amendment to Article 46 of the Federal Constitution, especially one that increases the number of seats, fundamentally shifts power dynamics in Parliament. 'Without restoring the original one-third ratio for Sarawak and Sabah, every added seat dilutes our representation and weakens our voice in national policymaking,' he said in a statement today. Kua also rejected the notion that parliamentary and state-level representation are entirely separate. He said while technically distinct, they are part of a broader governance ecosystem balancing federal and regional interests. Any move to increase parliamentary seats must be holistic and guided by constitutional intent – not political expediency, he added. Kua further criticised Yong for failing to defend Sarawak's rights and position within the federation. 'Sarawak deserves better than representatives who echo narratives from Malaya without defending our rightful place in the federation. 'We must insist that any increase in parliamentary seats come with the restoration of Borneo's one-third share, in the spirit of MA63. 'Violet Yong should stop misleading the public. Sarawak is not a passenger in Malaysia – we are a founding partner,' Kua said. dap DUN seats Kua Jack Seng MA63 parliamentary seats SUPP violet yong
